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The Demise of the Devil: Magic and the Demonic in Luke's Writings (1989) is a book by Susan R. Garrett.

Abstract

Originally presented as the author's PhD dissertation.

"Susan R. Garrett’s The Demise of the Devil: Magic and the Demonic in Luke’s Writings (1989) examines the role of Satan, demons, and magical practices in the Lukan corpus (Luke–Acts), arguing that Luke presents Jesus’ mission and the expansion of the church as a decisive assault on the powers of evil. Employing historical‑critical, literary, and sociological methods, Garrett situates Luke’s demonological worldview within the religious environment of the Greco‑Roman world, where magic, spirit possession, and exorcism were prominent features of popular religiosity. She demonstrates that Luke integrates Jewish apocalyptic dualism and Mediterranean magical traditions into a coherent theological narrative in which Jesus’ healings and exorcisms, and the subsequent Spirit‑empowered mission of the apostles, enact the downfall of Satan’s dominion. Central to Luke’s theology is the conviction that Satan’s power has been radically curtailed through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, though demonic opposition continues until the eschaton. Garrett also explores Luke’s portrayal of magical practitioners (e.g., Simon Magus, Elymas) as representatives of satanic opposition, contrasting them with the apostles’ Spirit‑empowered ministry. The study concludes that Luke presents the Christian mission as both spiritual warfare and divine deliverance, framing the demise of the Devil as a central motif in salvation history. Garrett’s work contributes to scholarship on Luke–Acts, early Christian demonology, and the interplay between biblical theology and ancient magical worldviews, offering an influential analysis of how Luke redefined the cosmic struggle against evil in light of the gospel."--ChatGTP

Editions and translations

Published in Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 1989.

Table of contents

External links

• [ Google Books]